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Monday, April 15, 2013

Now & Current

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I didn’t think I would procrastinate on this chapter!

The distinction in this chapter is best understood by the context in which a change occurs.  “Now” implies a context of a difference in state (the past was different than the present), whereas “current” implies a context of the continuation in state (the past is the same as the present).  Now that you understand the distinction, we can move towards the differences in application.

The good news is that most people correctly use the two words in their proper orientation.  Seldom do most of us pick up on these great clues in conversation.  For example, if we ask someone what they do, they might answer, “I’m currently working as an engineer.”  That tells us that they probably have been working as an engineer for some time.  On the other hand, if someone says, “I’m now selling legal insurance,” that tells us that they have recently been doing something else and have gone through a change.  This information can be a great opener to further questions and gain knowledge about an individual.

We can also use this language distinction to move us forward.  If someone were to ask us, “How’s the volunteer recruitment coming along?” we could answer one of two ways.  “I’m calling prospects now” gives an indication that we just started.  Even though there might have been a lot of preparation work before hand, using the “now” keyword may make us look like we’re slow on the ball.  “I’m currently in the process of calling prospects” gives an indication that we’re moving forward.  We may have called a dozen people already, or be half way through our list.

Are you one of those people who is always up-to-date with current events?  Lots of people are current, but they don’t live in the “now.”  Now has a distinctive zing to it.  It’s about living the moment.  Be here now.  While you’re reading this, don’t think about your job, your last week’s party, or your grocery list.  Live the moment.  Cherish each moment.

Those that are merely current may be knowledgeable.  But those who live in the “now” are highly focused.  The focus is what creates drive and power in conversation and in our lives.

When deciding which word to use, also consider the homonyms that may exist for each word.  For example, current is also used in electronics.  Current is also the force that moves waters.  Both those definitions may have a negative or at least intense connotation.  If we can so easily choose whichever word we want, why not pick the word that has the least possibility of confusion.  Pick the word with the least homonyms.

Let's love the world together...

Love,
Danish Ahmed, blind visionary

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